How to Be Geriatric Care Facilitator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Feb 2, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

As the aging population continues to increase, the demand for geriatric care facilitators has grown significantly. This is due to the fact that these professionals are uniquely qualified to help elderly individuals receive the care they need. Geriatric care facilitators help seniors access the full range of health, social, financial, and legal services available to them.

They are knowledgeable about the resources available and can assist with obtaining the appropriate services. they help seniors assess their needs, develop personalized care plans, and coordinate communication between families, caregivers, and healthcare providers. As a result, geriatric care facilitators play a vital role in providing quality care for elderly individuals and ensuring that their needs are met.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree in a Health or Social Services Field. To become a geriatric care facilitator, youll need a minimum of a four-year bachelors degree in a health or social services field. Examples of relevant degrees include nursing, social work, psychology, gerontology, sociology, or health administration.
Obtain Certification. Obtaining certification as a geriatric care manager (GCM) is an important step to becoming a geriatric care facilitator. The National Academy of Certified Care Managers (NACCM) offers the Certified Care Manager (CCM) credential to those who meet specific educational and experience requirements.
Consider Advanced Training. To further your credentials, consider taking courses or workshops in geriatric care management. You can also obtain additional certifications such as the Certified Geriatric Care Manager (CGCM) or the Certified Senior Care Manager (CSCM).
Gain Experience. Once youve obtained your bachelors degree and certification, youll need to gain experience in the field. Consider volunteering at a senior center or working as an intern in geriatric care management.
Obtain Professional Liability Insurance. Professional liability insurance is essential for all geriatric care facilitators. This type of insurance will protect you from any legal issues that may arise in your work with elderly clients.
Join Professional Organizations. Joining professional organizations will help you stay up to date on the latest developments in the field and build your network of colleagues in geriatric care management. Consider joining the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers or the American Society on Aging.

The Geriatric Care Facilitator is responsible for ensuring that elderly people in their care are kept up to date and capable of living life to the fullest. To do this, the facilitator must stay informed about the latest developments in medical care and treatments; keep up with advancements in technology; and be aware of new services, programs, and resources that can help improve quality of life. Additionally, the facilitator must be able to assess the needs of elderly people and identify any potential risks or issues that could affect their health and wellbeing, such as social isolation, financial difficulties, and physical or mental health problems. By staying informed and actively engaging with the elderly in their care, the Geriatric Care Facilitator can help provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to live in, while also helping them to remain capable and independent as they age.

You may want to check Geriatrics Hospice Care Coordinator, Geriatrics Dietary Aide, and Geriatric Home Health Aide for alternative.

Job Description

Coordinate care services with professional and family caregivers.
Assist in providing home care services to elderly patients, including meal preparation and light housekeeping.
Assist in coordinating medical appointments and transportation for elderly patients.
Monitor medications and administer injections as needed.
Monitor patient progress and update care plans as needed.
Communicate with healthcare professionals and families to ensure quality care for elderly patients.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and guidelines.
Provide emotional and social support to elderly patients and families.
Educate family members on care options and available resources.
Develop and implement geriatric care plans based on individual needs.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of the physical, emotional, and cognitive needs of older adults.
Ability to assess an older adults level of functioning, identify care needs, and develop a plan of care.
Knowledge of various health care systems and how to access them.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Understanding of the ethical issues related to geriatric care.
Ability to advocate for an older adults rights and choices.
Understanding of the dynamics of aging and the principles of gerontology.
Familiarity with long-term care options and services.
Ability to collaborate with other professionals and coordinate care services.
Knowledge of resources available to help seniors maintain independence.

The ability to effectively communicate with geriatric patients is an essential skill for a geriatric care facilitator. Good communication skills allow the facilitator to build trust and rapport with the patient and to understand their individual needs and preferences. In addition, effective communication can help the facilitator resolve conflicts, encourage the patient to take part in activities, and provide emotional support.

On the other hand, lack of communication can lead to misunderstandings and even harm the patient's health, both physical and mental, if the facilitator cannot properly understand and address their problems. Therefore, it is imperative that a geriatric care facilitator possess strong communication skills in order to ensure the health and well-being of their patients.

Geriatrics Clinical Care Manager, Geriatric Pharmacist, and Geriatric Social Worker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with geriatric patients?
How do you ensure a safe and comfortable environment for elderly patients?
What strategies do you use to help elderly patients maintain their independence?
What strategies would you implement to ensure the best possible care for elderly patients?
How do you handle challenging behaviors exhibited by elderly patients?
How do you stay organized while managing multiple patients and tasks?
How do you handle difficult conversations with family members of elderly patients?
What experience do you have in developing care plans for elderly patients?
How do you keep abreast of new developments in geriatric care?
How have you been successful in building relationships with elderly patients and their families?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Records System. A digital system that stores patient medical records and information. (e. g. Epic, Cerner)
Care Coordination Software. Software that helps to manage and coordinate care for seniors. (e. g. CareAdvocate, Caresync)
Medication Management Software. Software that helps monitor and manage medications for seniors. (e. g. PillPack, Medisafe)
Telehealth Platforms. Platforms that allow health care providers to connect with patients remotely. (e. g. VSee, Doxy. me)
Automated Reminder Systems. Systems that remind seniors of appointments and medication dosages. (e. g. ReminderCall, CareMinder)
Communication Platforms. Platforms that allow for secure and easy communication between care providers and seniors. (e. g. Skype, Slack)
Scheduling Software. Software that helps to schedule appointments with seniors. (e. g. Calendly, TimeTap)
Risk Assessment Tools. Tools that help to assess the risk of falls and other health issues for seniors. (e. g. Fall Risk Assessment Tool, Geriatric Assessment Tool)
Care Planning Tools. Tools that help to develop an individualized plan of care for seniors. (e. g. CarePaths, CareMatic)
Online Learning Platforms. Platforms that provide online courses covering topics related to geriatric care. (e. g. Coursera, Udemy)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Geriatrics Society
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
National Council on Aging
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
National Institute on Aging
Gerontological Society of America
National Association for Home Care and Hospice
Alzheimer's Association
American Geriatric Care Management Association
Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

We also have Geriatrics Mental Health Technician, Geriatric Rehabilitation Specialist, and Geriatrics Medical Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Gerontology. The study of the aging process, including physical, psychological, and social aspects.
Geriatrician. A doctor who specializes in providing medical care to older adults.
Geriatric Assessment. An evaluation of an older adults physical, mental, and social wellbeing.
Caregiving. The act of providing physical, emotional, and practical support to an individual in need.
Long-term Care. An array of services designed to meet the physical, emotional, and social needs of a person over an extended period of time.
Care Plan. A document that outlines the care needs of an individual and the steps taken to meet those needs.
End-of-Life Care. Care provided to individuals at the end of their life, which may include palliative care and hospice care.
Quality of Life. The overall sense of wellbeing experienced by an individual, based on physical and emotional health, lifestyle, and environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Geriatric Care Facilitator?

A Geriatric Care Facilitator is a professional who helps families navigate the complexities of care for an elderly loved one. They provide support and information about available services, resources, and options for long-term care.

What kind of services does a Geriatric Care Facilitator offer?

Geriatric Care Facilitators provide services including assessing needs, developing care plans, connecting families to resources and services, and providing guidance and support. They may also provide counseling, advocacy, and other forms of assistance.

What qualifications does a Geriatric Care Facilitator need?

A Geriatric Care Facilitator typically needs to have at least a Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field. In addition, they may need experience in gerontology, health care, or a related field.

How much does a Geriatric Care Facilitator cost?

The cost of a Geriatric Care Facilitator can vary depending on the services they provide and the geographic area they serve. Generally, they charge an hourly rate or may offer a flat fee for their services.

What is the best way to find a Geriatric Care Facilitator?

The best way to find a Geriatric Care Facilitator is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or professionals such as doctors or social workers. You can also search for professionals online or contact local agencies for more information.